Get Involved: Virtual Brain Injury Awareness Day is February 13th, 2018

Dealing with a life-long injury can feel overwhelming. If this describes you or a loved one, you’re not alone.

Traumatic brain injuries affect more than just the lives of victims. Friends, family members, caretakers and survivors alike know how devastating a brain injury can be. That’s why The Brain Injury Association of Virginia is taking a stand to advocate for those living with the “invisible injury.”

Did You Know?

In Virginia, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are responsible for a significant amount of deaths and lifelong disabilities. In fact, TBIs account for one-third of all injury-related deaths in Virginia.

Age is a major factor when it comes to TBIs. Adults 65 or older are particularly susceptible to fatal brain injuries. In Virginia, adults over 65 and two and a half times more likely to suffer a TBI death than those between 25 to 64.

How You Can Help Brain Injury Victims

Victims of brain injuries don’t get enough of the help they need, but this year you can do something to make a difference.

In honor of Brain Injury Awareness Day, which is March 20th this year, The Brain Injury Association of Virginia will be promoting a “Virtual” Awareness Day Event on February 13, 2018. The goal is to spread brain injury awareness and increase funding for the cause. The event will not be held at a physical location, but those interested are encouraged to participate by contacting local legislators and senators for support.

With this effort, the association aims to:

Help more than 300 Virginians with brain injuries who need appropriate long-term neurobehavioral care

Spread Awareness on February 13th

Great change is marked by dedication and persistence. If you’re interested in getting involved, here’s how you can help.

On or before the 13th of February, make your voice heard by:

Locating your legislator by this using Virginia’s Who’s My Legislator Web App. Enter your address using the email and more info links to find the Capitol phone number, email address and mailing address for your Virginia Delegate and Senator. OR: Click here to see senators and select the senator of your choice. Contact information is located on the right.Click here to see delegates. This will bring you to a map. Click on your area to find delegate information on the lower left.

Making a phone call. Use the information found above or dial (202) 224-4024 to reach the Washington DC office for Senator Tim Kaine. Your call will likely be answered by the legislator’s secretary. Use this script to leave a message with the secretary or ask for the legislator’s aide:

Delegate: Hi. My name is (name) (and I am a constituent of Delegate name). I am calling to ask for the Delegate’s support of House Bill 29 Item 475 #1h and House Bill 30 Items 329 #5h and 329 #10h to increase brain injury funding for critical core safety net services and retention of experienced and competent program staff. This is important to me because (insert). Please convey my request to Delegate (name). I will be following these budget amendments closely. Thank you for your assistance.

Senator: Hi. My name is (name) (and I am a constituent of Senator name). I am calling to ask for the Senator’s support of Senate Bill 30 Items 329 #4h, 475 #1s, and 329 #5s to increase brain injury funding for critical core safety net services and retention of experienced and competent program staff. This is important to me because (insert). Please convey my request to Senator (name). I will be following these budget amendments closely. Thank you for your assistance.

Emailing or writing your legislator. Use the following script to assist you in drafting your e-mail or letter: Email Letter Script

If you miss the date, don’t worry – you can still reach out to your local representative after February 13th.

The Brain Injury Association of Virginia needs your support!

Sign up now on their Facebook event page to pledge your support, and don’t forget to visit Brain Injury Association of Virginia’s website to learn how you can become an advocate.

Be Part of the Change

Fellow Virginians suffer from severe brain injuries every day, but together, we can help brain injury victims get the care and support they need to recover well and access valuable resources. This year, make it your mission to spread brain injury awareness and truly make an impact.